Studying at Heriot-Watt
Studying abroad
The capital of Scotland is a great place to live and study, with a wide range of theatres, galleries, clubs and shops to explore, not to mention the plethora of arty bars and cafes
Edinburgh is a really exciting city to live in and explore, and has been voted several times as the UK's number one city for students to live in.
Steeped in history, a walk down the Royal Mile, the oldest street in the city, takes you from the Castle, parts of which date to the 12th century, to Holyrood Palace – a royal palace since before Mary Queen of Scots and still used by the Royal Family today. From King Arthur to Alexander Graham Bell and Arthur Conan Doyle, the city buzzes with stories and tradition. Home to over 15 festivals each year, including the Hogmanay New Year celebrations and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh's streets are constantly filled with music, dance and performance art.
Meanwhile, you're within easy striking distance of some of the world's most beautiful wild landscapes from the Trossachs in the West, the Highlands in the North, and the Borders in the South. Our Edinburgh Campus is close to the city airport, giving you access to many major cities in the UK and other European capitals.
See our immigration information for details of how to apply for a student visa so you can study in the UK.
Choosing Heriot-Watt
By joining us at Heriot-Watt you will benefit from new teaching experiences in an exciting new environment.
With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for business and industry.
We are also Scotland's most international university with 33% of our on-campus students coming from outside the UK.
Programmes offered
To find out which Programmes are offered to students visiting our Edinburgh campus, please read our undergraduate Visiting Student Course Catalogue*.
*Programmes subject to change
Five good reasons to study at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh
- The experience will provide you with new learning experiences and the opportunity to develop academically as well as personally.
- It will provide you with fantastic opportunities to travel around Scotland, the UK and Europe.
- You'll gain first-hand experience of a new culture, helping you become more globally literate.
- You will be empowered to make new friends, get involved in new and exciting social opportunities and be a true ambassador for your country.
- It will look fantastic on your CV!
Accommodation
Both the Edinburgh and Scottish Borders campuses offer on-campus accommodation in single occupancy rooms. Most rooms come with en suite (private) bathrooms. All accommodation is self-catered, meaning you'll have access to a full kitchen to prepare your own meals. Although meal plans aren't provided, catering facilities are available on both campuses.
Living on campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world and make lifelong friends. All student accommodation is conveniently located within easy reach of the teaching buildings, catering venues and other facilities. There is also 24-hour Safeguarding on campus to assist with any issues that may arise.
For further information, please visit the Accommodation pages for each campus:
Student life at Heriot-Watt
Our Edinburgh Campus is set in beautiful parkland surroundings on the outskirts of the city of Edinburgh, providing you with a perfect mix of country and city lifestyle and offering a unique environment for studying and socialising.
Our Scottish Borders Campus has a friendly, lively community located in Galashiels, in the heart of the Borders yet only an hour away from Edinburgh.
Regardless of where you choose to study, you'll enjoy easy access to all our facilities:
- excellent support services
- top-class sport and exercise facilities
- active Student Union
- music events by classical musicians as well as our very own Pipe Band!
Register your interest
Please register your details to receive more information about Study Abroad.
How to apply
If you would like to apply to study at Heriot-Watt as a visiting student, please read our guidance and submit your application.
Key information
International Recruitment Office
- Phone
- +44 (0) 131 451 3707
- visitingstudents@hw.ac.uk
Related documents
Key fact
We currently have over 150 visiting and exchange students studying with us on our Edinburgh and Scottish Borders Campuses.